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The Role Of Social Inequality In Brazil

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The Portuguese legacy on Brazil’s demography has both beneficial and negative as it has resulted in one of the most racially mixed and diverse countries in the world, which has subsequently produced a dynamic culture infused with a variety of racial roots. However, this legacy has also been detrimental to society as deeply ingrained racism is very much present in the country today, albeit hidden at times and rarely discussed (Webb). Although there has never been formal segregation, it is clear to see that the favelas, or slums in large cities, are predominated by darker-skinned individuals (Webb). In addition, White Brazilians have the majority of higher-paying jobs and primarily frequent the nation’s universities. The myth of the racial democracy, which states that Brazil does not have racism or race-based problems, is simply untrue, and racism has been present ever since the day the Portuguese colonized Brazil (Hasenbalg, Huntington 136). The Portuguese legacy on the economy has been mostly negative, as it has …show more content…

According the CIA World Factbook, Brazil has a GINI Coefficient, a key measure of social inequality, of 49.7 and ranks as the 19th most unequal country in the world (CIA World Factbook). The social inequality in Brazil has been partially caused by extraction started by the Portuguese during the colonial period as a minority reaped the benefits, while the majority suffered the consequences. The Portuguese legacy on education has been negative as well as the wealthier members of the population continue to be the ones that experience a much higher quality education in comparison to the rest of the population, which also accounts for social inequality. The absence of the concept of universal public education has also been part of the historical legacy that has affected the country in a negative way, as even though it has recently been implemented, parents do not comprehend its value and do not send their children to school

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